At Face Value - Softcover

Grade 6–9—Cyrie Bergerac is the witty editor of the Weston High school paper. Her verbal skills propel her through her days and drive the pace of this story. As she explains from the get-go, "Everyone has something even if they won't admit it; something about their physical being that bothers them." Cyrie is obsessively bothered by her huge nose, which makes her the brunt of cruel comments from teen beauties and bullies. She bites back with brash verbal retorts and counts the days to her 18th birthday when she can get a nose job. Cyrie's secret heartthrob is Rox, but she's convinced that he can't see beyond her nose. He is enamored with Cyrie's friend Leyla, a sweet teen who has none of Cyrie's verbal acumen or tough skin. Rox and Leyla begin their courtship through a series of emails. Leyla's are increasingly creative and romantic—and composed by Cyrie. Predictably, he and Cyrie hook up. In the end "getting the guy" is a sell-out for a story that wrestles with self-esteem, body image, and intellectual strengths. What might have evolved into a meaningful teen romance misses the mark through shallow character development, predictable plot twists, and a sappy resolution. Plus, readers are sure to be left wondering if she does or doesn't get the nose job.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
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